civilization
noun
civ·i·li·za·tion
ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən 
1
a
: a relatively high level of cultural and technological development
specifically
: the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained
b
: the culture characteristic of a particular time or place
the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized
2
: the process of becoming civilized
civilization is a slow process with many failures and setbacks
3
a
: refinement of thought, manners, or taste
exhibiting a high level of civilization
b
: a situation of urban comfort
Our African safari was quite interesting, but it was great to get back to civilization.
Examples of civilization in a Sentence
the impact of technical advancements on civilization
We are studying ancient Greek civilization.
a book about life on the planet after wars have destroyed civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
McCarthy’s harrowing post apocalyptic tale of a boy and his father making their way through a wasteland populated by the degraded remains of human civilization is brilliantly adapted by Larcenet.
—
Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Between the lines: Both billionaires could make an astronomical amount of money from their space ventures even if their dreams of building space civilizations don't come to fruition.
—Dave Lawler, Axios, 8 Dec. 2024
Pyramids in Mesoamerica, such as those built by the Maya, Aztec and Teotihuacán civilizations, were monumental structures often used for religious and ceremonial purposes.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Billed as the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum holds more than 50,000 artifacts.
—Nada El Sawy, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilization 
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Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Between the lines: Both billionaires could make an astronomical amount of money from their space ventures even if their dreams of building space civilizations don't come to fruition.
—Dave Lawler, Axios, 8 Dec. 2024
Pyramids in Mesoamerica, such as those built by the Maya, Aztec and Teotihuacán civilizations, were monumental structures often used for religious and ceremonial purposes.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
Billed as the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum holds more than 50,000 artifacts.
—Nada El Sawy, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilization
Dictionary Entries Near civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
civilization
noun
civ·i·li·za·tion
ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən
1
a
: a high level (as in art, science, and government) of social development
b
: the way of life of a people
ancient Egyptian civilization
2
: the series of changes involved in becoming civilized
3
: refinement of thought, manners, or taste
4
: a situation of urban comfort
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